Sunday, February 7, 2010

A not so easy mac

I mentioned my resolutions for the New Year during the first post. I am back to reveal a second resolution. Cook a new item each month. I know, that sounds really silly to those of you with a husband and children but cooking for one is no fun. There is a cookbook that I keep meaning to buy named “The Pleasure of Cooking for One.” I am hoping somewhere in there it includes what that pleasure is. Don’t get me wrong; I really enjoy cooking. I just do not have a job that is conducive to leftovers and I end up wasting food so I tend to stick to very simple dishes that can be made in one-serving form. I want to branch out more so I thought this resolution would push me to do just that at least once a month.

The first dish I decided to make was a side dish. This past summer I visited my little brother in Seattle and picked up some amazing white truffle oil. I have been looking for a recipe to use it in since I discovered that it does not work with any of my current quick-to-fix-and-gone-real-fast meals. I settled on a classic with a twist, wild mushroom and white truffle mac and cheese. I actually made the recipe on February 2 but I settled on it and purchased all ingredients in January so it counts. I needed an event to make this very fattening tasty dish to share with others. Since the LOST (best show ever) premiere was on Tuesday night, I decided to make in order to celebrate with friends. After all, it is the beginning of the end but I will refrain from anymore LOST talk during this post.

The dish was not all that complicated and ended up being super tasty. I was very proud. I was able to find all but one ingredient at Publix. The crimini mushrooms required a run to Whole Foods but I am not complaining because I enjoy any reason to go there. I am posting the next picture for my sister who makes fun of my OCD tendencies. Perhaps when I start to cook more, I will be able to throw everything together as I go but at present I like to measure everything out ahead of time.

The final product after digging in

Bon appétit!

P.S.- Food pictures are fun but check out this guy, my nephew Jack. I can’t wait to see this chunk in a few weeks for his christening.